Ivan Valcarenghi, DDS

Cosmetic Dentist Chicago – December Newsletter

Our Purpose: to keep you healthy and to have great communication with you!

Snoring/Sleep Apnea: We can help! You’ve heard a lot about this, but are skeptical. It is rapidly becoming a health care crisis. Isn’t snoring just a nuisance to spouses? Snoring can be a sign for a dangerous condition known as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA). It is responsible for stroke, heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and other life-threatening health problems. It is even a suspect in car crash fatalities. You know your lack of sleep couldn’t be good, but didn’t think it was serious enough to get tested. Or, it’s just too inconvenient to wear that awful (CPAP) mask, right?
If these are your excuses then set aside your bias because sleep apnea is a killer and in many cases you can be tested in the convenience of your own bed at home and can have simple oral appliances made for you that can help you and your spouse sleep better, be more productive at work and possibly save your life. “I had my doubts and wondered if this mouthpiece really worked? Well, my ribs are no longer sore from my wife jabbing me! It works 100%!” – Steve T.

Weight Loss: diets can assist you to lose weight. Many have taken to running and other exercises, however, and have not lost weight. Your body can hold on to fat stores for a long time and for a variety of reasons, such as stress, menopause, starvation diets, circulatory problems and depository illnesses such as arthritis and diabetes. But for the most part it is “calories in = calories out.” We hate to count calories, but it works! Also watch out for hidden calories: low sugar or no-sugar soft drinks and cereals, often have a lot of carbohydrates and unused “carbs” turn into sugar.

Dental Implants: If you have a class 2 bite (ask me what this means), you are a dentist’s favorite patient and you make up the majority of dentistry and other dental-related treatment such as headaches and migraines, TMJ/TMD, neuromuscular “issues,” snoring and sleep apnea. Chances are you have more fillings, crowns, root canals, failed root canals, extractions and yes, you are responsible for the largest number of dental implants as well. It is rapidly becoming the largest source of dental expenditures! More astounding is that the vast majority of dental insurance provide no dental implant benefits! Why? Don’t get me started…I need a longer newsletter!

Nuances of Middle Age: look for this article in my Winter newsletter! It will be entertaining!

Achieving A Great Smile: you don’t think an attractive smile is important? If you are that dinosaur, please let me put you in touch with Kiki who espouses the benefits of a great smile. Or Kerri. I am so proud of her! When she came back into my office, years after we helped this young, shy and introverted teen have a more attractive smile, and told me how her new smile changed her life and told me of her achievements, I swell with pride and joy. I also think about other people whom have lost countless opportunities because they don’t enjoy a great smile.

There is no reason today to have an unattractive smile! The power of a great smile is well documented in greater confidence, self-esteem, opportunities and success, and yes, health! Did you realize an ugly smile also conveys the message you are not healthy?

Dr Ivan presided over a panel for students in pre-professional programs at Vanderbilt University

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